Technically Speaking | 4 APRIL 2025
Recycling
Tech Tips from Our Engineers at Bamberger Amco Polymers
How Does Plastic Recycling Work?
Recovering plastic from waste and turning it into new products is a process our industry has been refining for decades. In most cases, the collected material is melted down and reformed into pellets before getting added to virgin polymers at an OEM-defined level of acceptance or "let down ratio" — typically 5%.
In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), created the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system. Their goal was to provide a consistent national program that would help sorting line workers group post-consumer packaging types into six basic recyclable classes, each with unique processing needs.
Those classes are:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE)
Examples include clear water and drink bottles, food jars, hinged food containers, and cosmetics. Curbside recycling is available for these plastics.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Examples include AG pipe, natural gas pipe, detergent, antifreeze, milk, juice bottles, pails, and containers. Curbside recycling is available for these plastics.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Examples include siding, flooring, hose, tubing, plumbing, window frames, and wire insulation. Curbside recycling is NOT available for these plastics.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Examples include clear water and drink bottles, food jars, hinged food containers, and cosmetics. Curbside recycling is available for these plastics.
Polypropylene (PP)
Examples include auto, commercial, and industrial parts, caps, containers, tapes, microwaves, and hinged containers. Curbside recycling is available for these plastics.
Polystyrene (PS)
Examples include trays, disposable drink cups and plates, food containers, toys, and cutlery. Curbside recycling is available for these plastics.
Non-Recyclable: Nylon, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, and Others
Examples include auto parts, riot face shields, impact windows, helmets, water cooler bottles, and safety glasses. None of these are curbside recyclable.
Common Recycling Definitions in Alphabetical Order
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